By faith a young adult proudly declared "I am a Christian"...and died!

I think everyone has heard Hebrews 11:1 before but it is just the beginning of what I call the faith chapter.  Here is a little bigger excerpt for your reading pleasure.

Hebrews 11:1-10(NKJV)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 

By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 

for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

God places a premium on faith.  It is the key to His plan of salvation.  This chapter goes through and takes note of many in the Bible who have demonstrated exceptional faith.  I would like to ad a few more to that list.

Last week a mentally ill  gunman killed several people at a college in Oregon.  It is reported that he went down the line and asked people what religion they were.  If they answered Christian they were killed.  If they answered any other faith they were allowed to live.

Imagine the faith that would have taken to stand there and proudly proclaim your faith knowing that it will cost you your life.  Jesus warned that we would be required to give up our lives to keep them but I doubt if many thought that He meant that literally.

I commend those young people for demonstrating such Biblical size faith and testimony.  Thank you!